The Last Samurai

Tom Cruise played American captain Nathan Algren in the 2003 movie The Last Samurai. The film followed his arrival at a Japanese village where he is set to train and organize the inhabitants in the style of the US Army. Cruise’s character soon begins to admire the traditional Japanese way of life and becomes intrigued about the ways of the samurai. The Japanese leader, Katsumoto, is instrumental in the change.

This is Katsumoto’s elaborate battle armour. It was worn on screen by Ken Watanabe. It was conceived by Oscar winning costume designer Ngila Dickson and constructed under direction of the legendary, multi Oscar winning, WETA Workshop of New Zealand.

This incredible outfit is constructed from many layers and has numerous components. All intricate and detailed.

The under suit, consisting of thick trousers (Hakama) and heavy shirt (Shitagi), is finely finished in gold thread in an ornate pattern.

The helmet (Kabuto) is fabricated from black plastic to resemble iron, with the traditional concertinaed curved neck guard (Shikoro) to the rear. This allowed the easy storage of the helm when not in battle. The beautiful faceplate (Mempo) completes the fearsome headgear. Fine faux brass detail adds to the overall grandeur and importance of the set.

The main component is the chest armour (Dou). It is made from many separate squares of plastic, carefully laced together with black cord and finished with a faux brass detail. A throat guard (Guruwa) and shoulder protectors (Sode) complete the torso. A sash (Himo) holds an aluminium bladed, stunt version of Katsumoto’s Samurai sword in place.

Gauntlets (Tekko), arm guards (Kote), greaves (Suneate) and faux bear fur shoes (Kogake) and a richly patterned cream and black cloak (Horo) reserved for only the highest ranking warriors, complete this remarkable set.

The costume is displayed on a custom mannequin with illuminated movie logo.